Dental Fillings in Petaluma, CA

Petaluma Dental Group is Mercury-Free

At Petaluma Dental Group, we provide only the latest modern and aesthetically pleasing treatments to our patients. As part of this commitment, we place only composite fillings in our practice.

These tooth-colored fillings are as strong and durable as, yet safer and even more aesthetically appealing than their traditional counterparts. As an outcome, we have been able to eliminate metal and amalgam fillings from our practice. Not only are composite fillings much more natural-looking than traditional amalgam fillings, but they are also significantly healthier for the patient.

Amalgam fillings are customarily composed of mercury, which is highly toxic. During chewing, small amounts of mercury may be released into the body, a process that some studies have shown increases mercury levels in the brain and other vital organs. Furthermore, amalgam fillings are more sensitive to temperature change than composite fillings and can expand and contract with time. This phenomenon causes teeth to crack, creating the need for more extensive restoration.

Form Meets Function

Composite fillings are way more aesthetically pleasing than amalgam. They are formulated in a way to match the remaining teeth in a patient’s mouth. The color of the filling material can also be adjusted so that it doesn’t look unnaturally white or conspicuous in any way. Once settled, composite fillings closely resemble natural tooth matter. The resin material used in composite fillings actually bonds to the structure of the treated tooth, providing greater support and a stronger restoration than is possible with amalgam. Furthermore, because composite fillings bond with the actual teeth, there is no space for decay to form, which can be a problem with mercury or metal fillings. Composite fillings also tend to wear better and last longer than amalgam fillings.

If you currently have traditional amalgam fillings in your mouth, we invite you not to wait for these fillings to fall out or deteriorate before having them replaced. We can exchange your old, outdated mercury fillings for custom-made, wonderfully lifelike composite fillings, improving both the beauty and well-being of your mouth. With adequate maintenance and consistent dental appointments, your new dental fillings in Petaluma, CA will stay for years and potentially for a lifetime.